How to Install a Home Intercom
A home intercom system can be used to page people, play music, or monitor disabled individuals or children. There are two types of intercoms, a wired system and a wireless system. Installing a wired system will require basic carpentry skills and moderate wiring tasks. A wireless connection will only require batteries and a clear signal. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Select your home intercom system. There are a variety of intercoms on the market. You can choose a music intercom, which can be used as a music player and/or a basic intercom. You can choose a voice only intercom, which is perfect for room-to-room communication. You can also choose a video telephone intercom, which combines all of the above in addition to having the visual element.
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2
Select your master station. This location should be conveniently located. The master station is where you will operate all functions for your home intercom system.
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3
Turn off the power before beginning installation. Failure to do so could result in electrical shock.
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4
Determine how large of an opening needs to be cut for the master station installation. Place your master station on the wall between two studs. Using a pencil, lightly trace the master station.
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5
Cut your master station opening. Drill 3/8-inch holes into the wall at the four corners of your penciled outline. Use your saber saw to cut out the hole. Place the master station in the hole to ensure proper fit. Trim the edges if necessary.
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6
Wire your master station. Your master station is the only station connected to the home's electrical system. Refer to the installation instructions. Each system will have specific wiring instructions. Locate the power source nearest to your master station. Attach the cable to the power source. Drill a ½ inch hole in the dry wall near the power source. Using metal fish tape, push the tape through the hole towards your master station until it cannot go any further. Make sure your cable is with it. Return to your master station to retrieve the wire. You should see the metal fish tape with the cable attached. Attach the cable to the master station.
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7
Select the location for the substations. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 to prepare your substations for mounting.
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8
Connect your substations to the master station. This will involve running a cable from your master station to each substation. You will need to drill a few small holes while running your cable through the wall to the master station if you are running your cables around corners, turns and down hallways. Consider having all wires run to the basement. Then you will only have to run cables up and down as opposed to around corners.
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9
Connect all cables and communication wires. Refer back to your instructions. Certain systems may require different techniques. The wires are typically color-coded. Connect the wires and cables to your units and test your unit before completing installation.
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10
Fasten your units into the wall to complete installation.
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Tips & Warnings
Although the wireless intercom will only need batteries and a clear signal for installation, you will have to replace the batteries often and be prepared for possible signal interference.
